DINING

Types of Restaurants in Koh Samui

Traditional Thai Restaurants

These restaurants offer authentic Thai flavors in a casual or upscale setting, serving classic dishes like green curry, tom yum soup, and pad Thai.

Seafood Restaurants

With its coastal location, Koh Samui is famous for fresh seafood. Expect grilled prawns, steamed fish with lime, and spicy crab dishes, often served with ocean views.

Beachfront Restaurants & Bars

Enjoy dining with a view at beachfront restaurants offering Thai and international cuisine, often with live music or sunset cocktails.

Local Street Food & Night Markets

For a budget-friendly and authentic experience, street food stalls serve grilled meats, noodle soups, mango sticky rice, and coconut pancakes at markets across the island.

Floating Seafood Restaurants (Sea Gypsy Villages)

Experience fresh seafood straight from the ocean at floating restaurants run by local fishermen, offering the catch of the day cooked Thai-style.

Fine Dining & International Cuisine

Koh Samui boasts high-end restaurants with gourmet menus, including French, Italian, Japanese, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Vegan & Healthy Cafés

For health-conscious travelers, the island has vegan cafés, smoothie bars, and organic restaurants serving plant-based Thai and international dishes.

Rooftop & Sunset Dining

For a romantic evening, rooftop and sunset restaurants provide stunning views, craft cocktails, and a mix of Thai and Western dishes.

Floating & Jungle Restaurants

Some restaurants in Koh Samui are located in lush jungle settings or floating on water, offering a unique nature-meets-dining experience.

Must-Try Thai Dishes in Koh Samui

Thai Curries

• Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) – A rich coconut-based curry with chicken, eggplant, and basil.
• Massaman Curry – A mild and slightly sweet curry with peanuts and potatoes.
• Panang Curry – A thicker, creamier curry with fragrant kaffir lime leaves.

Thai Soups & Salads

• Tom Yum Goong – Spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass and lime.
• Tom Kha Gai – Creamy coconut soup with chicken and galangal.
• Som Tam (Papaya Salad) – A spicy, tangy salad made from shredded green papaya.

Stir-Fried & Grilled Dishes

• Pad Thai – Thailand’s famous stir-fried noodles with shrimp, tofu, peanuts, and lime.
• Pad Kra Pao (Basil Stir-Fry) – Minced pork or chicken stir-fried with basil and chili.
• Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken) – Marinated grilled chicken served with spicy dipping sauce.

Seafood Specialties

• Pla Kapong Neung Manao – Steamed sea bass with lime, garlic, and chili.
• Goong Pao (Grilled Prawns) – Charcoal-grilled giant prawns served with seafood sauce.
• Pu Pad Pong Karee – Stir-fried crab in a creamy yellow curry sauce.

Thai Rice & Noodles

• Khao Pad (Fried Rice) – Stir-fried rice with egg, vegetables, and choice of meat or seafood.
• Khao Soi – Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top.
• Boat Noodles – Rich, flavorful noodle soup with pork or beef, served with herbs and chili.

Thai Desserts

• Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet coconut sticky rice with ripe mango slices.
• Khanom Krok – Mini coconut pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft inside.
• Lod Chong (Coconut Pandan Dessert) – Sweet pandan noodles served with coconut milk and crushed ice.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Koh Samui’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering authentic Thai flavors, fresh seafood, and international culinary delights. Whether you’re dining at a luxury resort, a beachfront café, or a street food stall, there’s always something delicious to discover.

Find the best dining experiences on Samui Map Info, and enjoy the island’s incredible flavors!